Brentwood Prep Incipe 2019

Brentwood School Preparatory 25 Old Brentwoods What was your favourite thing to do at the Prep? It was at the Prep that I first fell in love with music, which has been my life’s passion. From the moment I first picked up a recorder, under the watchful and inspirational eye of Mr Hatt, I have been transfixed by the power of music. While I was in the Prep, I started learning the piano, the trumpet and the clarinet. It’s my honour today to be Chairman of the Royal College of Music and I’m campaigning to ensure that all children have a right to a good music education (which sadly so many do not). Music at Brentwood School is in terrific shape, and it’s always wonderful to see today’s pupils getting the same excitement from making music as I did. What was your best and worst school lunch? I think it’s fair to say that lunch at the Prep when I was there was always something of a challenge! I do recall being particularly repulsed by the liver which appeared occasionally – an unappetising slab of grey meat in a glutinous sauce. It has, I fear, put me off the dish for life. (Prunes also fall into that category.) The way to my heart then – as now – was sausage and mash. I am delighted that the Prep development will revolutionise catering – and I look forward to coming back to lunch some time soon! What is your most memorable moment at the Prep? This probably sounds a bit geeky – and overly worthy – but it was the buzz of learning new things. Quite apart from music, I remember to this day the sheer joy of being introduced to Latin, which conjured up a whole new world, not just linguistically but in terms of learning about a completely different civilisation. I stuck with Latin throughout my time at Brentwood School, adding Greek along the way, and it was the most extraordinary discipline. Learning languages is so important, and that formative period in your life is by far the best time to do it. I always wish I had kept my French up. What words of wisdom would you have for pupils at Brentwood Prep today? Brentwood Prep provides an unrivalled start in life. Work hard – and the world really is your oyster. Learn, too, to enmesh those three vital words – “virtue, learning and manners” – into every aspect of your life. They will always stand you in good stead. And remember that you will be a Brentwoodian for life: long after you have left the School, make sure you come back and let everyone know how you are getting on. That’s part of what makes the place so special. Lord Black - Back row, second from the right